The proposed Shoppes at Concord shopping center is back before the Concord Township Planning Commission, and the latest version of the plan answers some questions while raising fresh ones, writes Rich Schwartzman for Chadds Ford Live.
The revised proposal drops a previously planned Giant gas station but keeps the Giant supermarket as the centerpiece of the development.
Submitted by Retail Sites, the project would bring a 158,000-square-foot shopping center to a 23.89-acre site at Route 202 and Ridge Road in Concord Township, just shy of the Chadds Ford Township border.
Attorney Leonard Altieri III noted the property sits entirely within Concord Township, even as the plan continues to draw concern from nearby Chadds Ford residents.
Retail Sites President Robert Hill said the update reflects several changes aimed at township and public feedback.
“We made some adjustments [to the original submission] that we think will help in many respects, that might not satisfy everyone, but we hope it will,” said Hill.
Under the new layout, the Giant and an adjacent building would be separated by 60 feet to create what Hill called a “community patio,” joined by added walking areas, landscaping, seating, and outdoor gathering space.
The traffic plan also changed.
A new signalized entrance would let northbound Route 202 traffic turn left directly into the center rather than routing through Ridge Road.
Hill said the shift reduces the need for some Ridge Road widening while preserving access to Springhill Boulevard and nearby shopping centers.
Several pieces still require conditional use approval, including a car wash, restaurants with drive-throughs, and beer and wine sales at Giant.
Stormwater, well-water impacts, traffic, parking, and the car wash all drew pointed questions from residents and Chadds Ford officials.
Hill pegged the project at roughly $70 million in investment, with the potential to generate millions in school district and township revenue and add hundreds of jobs.
The proposal still has several hurdles to clear before the Planning Commission, and the full account of where it stands is available now at Chadds Ford Live.
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